The second new ferry of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s
vessel replacement strategy is scheduled to sail into Green Bay in central
Newfoundland to begin service this afternoon, Thursday, June 2.

“The MV Hazel McIsaac is a state-of-the-art vessel that will serve
in the provincial fleet for years to come,” said the Honourable Tom
Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works. “Bringing this new ferry
into service in Green Bay allows us the flexibility to retire one of the
oldest vessels in the fleet, while maintaining a high level of service for
the people of Little Bay Islands and Long Island.”

The MV Island Joiner, which currently serves Long Island, will
proceed to Lewisporte for decommissioning as the MV Hazel McIsaac
enters service on the Little Bay Islands - Shoal Arm run. The MV Sound of
Islay, which currently services the route, will move to the Long Island
- Pilley’s Island run.

The MV Sound of Islay will also serve as a swing vessel to be used
as a replacement ferry around the province as needed. During times when the
vessel is required in another part of the province, the MV Hazel McIsaac
will operate on a four-point service in Green Bay, serving both Little Bay
Islands and Long Island.

“This new ferry illustrates this government’s commitment to enhanced
transportation services in rural Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Kevin
Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte - Springdale. “The communities in Green Bay,
which this vessel will serve, can only benefit from having a brand new ferry
at their disposal.”

The MV Hazel McIsaac and its sister ship, the MV Grace Sparkes
were officially christened at a ceremony at the Kiewit Offshore Services Cow
Head facility near Marystown on March 11. A community ceremony to mark the
vessel’s entry into service is being planned for a later date.

“The MV Hazel McIsaac is a welcome addition to the provincial
ferry service,” said Ray Hunter, MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor - Green Bay
South. “I am pleased that our government is following through on its
commitment to replace aging vessels in our fleet.”

The MV Hazel McIsaac is a 42-metre, 80-passenger vessel with
capacity for 16 passenger vehicles or one transport truck and 11 passenger
vehicles. The vessel and its sister ship come at a construction cost of
approximately $27.5 million each.

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For
Newfoundland and Labrador provides $39.3 million for the continuation of the
vessel replacement strategy. This includes funding to begin construction of
a third medium-sized vessel, to complete the design and begin construction
of a large-size vessel and to complete the design and purchase materials for
six small-size ferry vessels.

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Media contacts:

Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 697-5267rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

Donna Ivey
Communications Manager
House of Assembly
Government Members Office
709-729-0898, 697-1424donnaivey@gov.nl.ca